The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has moved to block nomination losers from vying as independent candidates in the August 9 general election.
The commission is seeking to amend the Elections Act, 2011, to shift the deadline for parties to submit membership lists to the commission after certification by the political parties’ registrar.
Instead of the 120 days in the existing law, which informed the April 9 deadline for submission of the lists, IEBC wants 90 days.
We support this move because political parties are essential institutions of democracy. By competing in elections within their parties, the entities offer Kenyans a choice in governance, and while in opposition they can hold government accountable.
Every Kenyan has a democratic right to join any political party. Party members must abide by the ideologies of their respective parties and be willing to be subjected to the free and fair democratic process.
Competition is important to any democratic process. Democracy demands that those who win embrace the losers, who in turn should accept defeat and live to fight another day.
Jumping out after losing weakens parties and should be discouraged if Kenya is to have a few strong parties.
Quote of the Day: "What is so certain of victory as patience?"
Selma Lagerlöf
The Swedish author and Nobel laureate died on March 16, 1940
